Although most people know that the best time to prune trees is during late fall, it's still not an easy job. You need to do it right, or you might make your trees more vulnerable to illnesses.
Using the right tools is really important. What works for small branches doesn't work for the big ones.
Dos
So, for instance, if your tree has small, thin branches, simply use shears or loppers. But if your tree has thick, heavy branches, you need a stronger tool such as a pole pruning saw.
You have to be careful with this one. Pruning is not as easy as randomly snipping leaves and branches. It’s best done at a right angle.
Prune at a Right Angle
The right angle is between 45 to 60 degrees. This angle will make pruning faster and easier. On top of that, it can also prevent illness and water damage to your trees.
Tree pruning is not a single, universal method. It comes with some variations, too, and this will depend on your desired results.
Utilize the Best Method
Some tree parts are essential for survival, which means you can't cut them, whatever method you prefer. For instance, roots should never be cut.
Pruning large trees is more challenging and poses a risk. They typically have heavy branches that can damage property or injure people when they fall.
Don’t Cut Heavy Branches on Your Own
So, if you're pruning on your own, it's advisable to first cut them into smaller pieces.
Can't get enough of cutting branches? That's fine, but don't cut all of them at once. This can make your tree fragile and unappealing.
Don't Cut a Lot of Branches
Consider the tree structure as you prune. Typically, it's ideal to prune 25 to 30% of a tree in order to preserve a proper structural balance, so be careful not to overdo things.